Automation Unplugged Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Show #258 featuring John Heyman, Chief Executive Officer of Snap One Feb 12, 2024

Show notes

SHOW NOTES

John has worked in the technology industry for over 30 years, including as the CEO of Radiant Systems, Inc., a publicly traded business until its $1.3 billion sale in 2011. Since joining Snap One in 2015, John has led the company through explosive growth via new product introductions, entry into new markets, key strategic acquisitions, and an IPO in July 2021.

John has also been a successful investor in a number of software firms across many sectors. He served as Executive Chairman of Influence Health, the Board of Directors of Manhattan & Associates and Dinova, LLC, and Chairman of Impact Innovations. He has also served the non-profit sector, in various roles at University of Georgia, the Metro Atlanta YMCA and Holy Innocents Episcopal School.

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au258

About One Firefly

One Firefly, LLC is an award-winning marketing agency that caters to technology professionals in the custom integration, security and solar energy markets. One Firefly is headquartered in Davie, Florida with staff located throughout North America and has been operating since 2007.

Show #257 features Tom Doherty, David Weinstein and Joaquin Rivera Jan 23, 2024

Show notes

During our time together, we discussed:

What is new for Lightapalooza 2024
Lutron and Ketra's plans for the event
Why integrators should not miss this event
The growing importance of the lighting category in the CI channel

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au257

SHOW NOTES

Today's show features 3 industry luminaries - Tom Doherty, Director of New Technology Initiatives at HTSA, and a veteran of the Consumer Electronic Industry with a remarkable 40-year career. From pioneering Tom Doherty’s Custom Audio and Video in 1985 to instrumental roles in founding Escient and expanding Gracenote, Tom is a CEDIA Lifetime Achievement Awardee and a Lutron Hall of Fame inductee.

Joining Tom is David Weinstein, the Vice President of Residential Sales at Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. David's vast 45-year experience in the lighting control, shading, and lighting systems business is an invaluable asset to our discussion.

Completing our lineup is Joaquin Rivera, Co-Founder of ByDesign Vision & Sound Marketing. With a 15-year tenure at Stewart Filmscreen and a series of industry accolades, Joaquin's journey from production to VP.

About One Firefly

AU #256: Crestron Director Discusses the Need for AV Education Programs and the Future Impact of AI on Programming Dec 27, 2023

Show notes

During our time together, we discussed:

His diverse career at Crestron Electronics, focusing on his various roles and significant contributions to the company and the custom electronics industry.
The vital role of training the next generation of Audiovisual Industry professionals focusing on developing their skills and knowledge to meet the industry's evolving demands.
The expected impact of AI on the industry and a unique perspective on the potential advancements and challenges AI might bring to the industry.
And insights from his experience as a balloon pilot at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade for more than 30 years.

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au256

SHOW NOTES

Richard is an industry veteran with more than 35 years of audiovisual experience. He has worked at Crestron Electronics for 23 years in various roles, and is currently the Global Director Pro Community. In his current role, he works to expand the Crestron community through engaging with multiple channels and helping to guide customers to successful implementations of Crestron technology. He is working with AVIXA, BICSI, CEDIA, NSCA and more to help foster audiovisual industry training for the next generation of professionals. He helped to create the Crestron Services Providers program and worked to ensure they have the proper tools to support Crestron clients. He proudly oversees the Crestron Masters event.

Richard’s favorite personal accomplishment is his hobby as a Balloon Pilot for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. He’s been responsible for the inflation teams, launching the balloons, and piloting the balloons since he started as a volunteer in college.

About One Firefly

AU #255: CEO of Garrett Integrated Systems Shares Lessons Learned From Executing an Acquisition Strategy for Growth Dec 20, 2023

Show notes

During our time together, we discussed:

Eddie’s takeaways from his experience serving on the CEDIA Board of Directors for the past three years
Expanding their business through strategic acquisitions this year and the lessons they’ve learned along the way
The importance of defining and refining processes to run a business with multiple locations
Vendor selection beliefs and best practices

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au255

SHOW NOTES

James Garrett is a visionary leader who has a passion for innovation and excellence. He has over 20 years of experience in the electrical and custom integration industry. He founded Garrett Integrated Systems in 2014.

This year, Garrett has grown rapidly through strategic acquisitions of other tech companies in the luxury home space. Some of the notable acquisitions include The Loop Technologies, and Sound Technology Group, both leaders in their respective markets. Through these acquisitions, Garrett has expanded its product portfolio, customer base, and market share, and has established itself as a dominant player in the luxury home and Estate markets.

About One Firefly

AU #254: SmartTouch USA’s CEO Discusses Building Better Relationships With Trade Partners Dec 13, 2023

Show notes

During our time together, we discussed:

Eddie’s takeaways from his experience serving on the CEDIA Board of Directors for the past three years
His impressions and takeaways from the CEDIA AI Symposium
Eddie shares valuable insights from a recent interaction with an architect
His predictions for the luxury residential construction industry in 2024

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au254

SHOW NOTES

Eddie has been in the AV and low voltage channel for over thirty years, and volunteering with CEDIA for more than a decade. He served on the CEDIA Board of Directors from 2020 through 2023, and continues to serve on CEDIA committees. He started his career in security before founding his own integration firm: SmartTouchUSA. Throughout his career, Eddie has been involved in all aspects of the AV business, including installation, system design, programming, marketing, sales, and executive leadership.

About One Firefly

AU #253: Eagle Sentry’s Service Manager On Leadership Principles & Attracting New CI Talent Nov 22, 2023

Show notes

During our time together, we discussed:

Chris’s journey in the CI industry, starting in DIY smart tech, and moving into a professional AV career
The training and assistance he received from PrepTECH
The mindset of extreme ownership and the principles he lives by to be the best leader possible for his team
His role as a Service Manager and how to successfully run service in a CI business

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au253

SHOW NOTES

Chris got his start in the smart home industry in the DIY space. In 2022, Chris met Mitch Klein at CES, who told him about the industry’s largest trade show: CEDIA. Chris paid his way to go to CEDIA 2022, and the rest is history.

He networked with all the right people and started a full-time career in A/V. Chris has been featured on the CEDIA Podcast twice, and he’s grown in his role at Eagle Sentry, moving from A/V Project Coordinator to the Service Manager in under six months. He has a true passion for empowering clients with their smart technology.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #252 feat. Clinton Muntean, President of Mainline Marketing Nov 15, 2023

Show notes

During our time together, we discussed:

Clinton’s career journey in the technology industry, starting in audio post-production engineering, moving into sales, and eventually becoming owner and president of Mainline Marketing
His mindset of out-servicing the competition
Market conditions during the pandemic, and predictions for what the economic landscape will look like in 2024

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au252

SHOW NOTES

Clinton has over 25 years of sales and management experience after graduating from Full Sail University with a degree in recording engineering. In 2000, Clinton joined Mainline as a sales representative, becoming the firm’s top producer during his first 18 months with the firm.

He was made a partner a year later, promoted to Vice President of Sales in 2004, and went on to become the President of Mainline after purchasing the firm in 2005. Today Mainline Marketing is one of the leading AV rep firms in the country.

Based in Orlando, Florida, they have been connecting the companies who make exceptional audio-visual equipment with the integrators and end customers since 1987.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #251 feat. Xavier Adechy, Director at Adelux Consulting Oct 20, 2023

Show notes

During our time together, we discussed:

Xavier’s history with Lutron, from his days as a field service engineer traveling the world, to the present as a system designer and consultant.
Best practices and advice for designing a lighting control system.
Creating and growing his YouTube channel.

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au251

SHOW NOTES

Xavier has been in the CI industry for much of his career. He spent seven years working at Lutron as a lighting control system programmer before branching out to start his own business, Adelux Consulting. Adelux provides top-tier consulting, sales, and programming services for Lutron systems.

Xavier is also a talented content creator and has his own YouTube channel, where he shares his insights as a lighting control and home automation specialist.

Beyond his professional commitments, Xavier is an avid photographer and videographer. He’s a frequent traveler and brings his camera as a companion to capture the beauty of all the places he sees.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #250 feat. Tom Doherty Director of New Technology Initiatives at HTSA Oct 11, 2023

Show notes

During our time together, we discussed:

Tom’s rise to prominence in the CI space, starting with founding his own AV business in 1985
His work toward growing industry-wide education and awareness in the lighting category
The very first AI Symposium at CEDIA, and the meteoric rise of AI since Nov 2022

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au250

SHOW NOTES

Tom has more than 40 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. Throughout his career, he’s consistently identified and taken advantage of growth opportunities, starting with his own integration company and co-founding CEDIA in 1989. He has also played a key role in the success of companies like Escient, Gracenote, and Lutron.

In 2001, Tom received the CEDIA Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2008 he was inducted into the inaugural Lutron Hall of Fame. In 2017, he joined the Home Technology Specialists of America (HTSA) as Director of New Technology Initiatives, where he has helped drive growth in the lighting category for the custom installation industry.

About One Firefly

Automation Unplugged Episode #249 feat. David Kitchener founder of EI Live! Sep 27, 2023

Show notes

During our time together, we discussed:

The state of the custom integration industry in the UK
Comparing and contrasting the northamerican and the UK markets
One Firefly’s participation in the upcoming Ei Live! Show

To get transcripts, resources of what was mentioned in the show, and more visit: onefirefly.com/au249

SHOW NOTES

David has 40 years of experience in the publishing and exhibitors’ industry. In 2009, he founded All things media Ltd and introduced the Essential Install magazine which has grown to become the leading magazine in the CI field in the UK.

David also launched the EI Live! exhibition and the Smart Building awards. Ei Live! Is now the only dedicated AV and Home automation show now in the UK.

Presently, their activities span across three interconnected market sectors: Custom Install, Electrical Contracting, and Data Centre media. Their comprehensive publishing approach includes a print magazine, dedicated websites with daily news updates, weekly newsletters, and digital versions of their print publications.

About One Firefly

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